Delivery of therapeutic biologicals from implantable tissue matrices

Abstract

Normal cells, such as fibroblasts or other tissue or organ cell types, are genetically engineered to express biologically active, therapeutic agents, such as proteins that are normally produced in small amounts, for example, MIS, or other members of the TGF-beta family Herceptin™, interferons, and anti-angiogenic factors. These cells are seeded into a matrix for implantation into the patient to be treated. Cells may also be engineered to include a lethal gene, so that implanted cells can be destroyed once treatment is completed. Cells can be implanted in a variety of different matrices. In a preferred embodiment, these matrices are implantable and biodegradable over a period of time equal to or less than the expected period of treatment, when cells engraft to form a functional tissue producing the desired biologically active agent. Implantation may be ectopic or in some cases orthotopic. Representative cell types include tissue specific cells, progenitor cells, and stem cells. Matrices can be formed of synthetic or natural materials, by chemical coupling at the time of implantation, using standard techniques for formation of fibrous matrices from polymeric fibers, and using micromachining or microfabrication techniques. These devices and strategies are used as delivery systems via standard or minimally invasive implantation techniques for any number of parenterally deliverable recombinant proteins, particularly those that are difficult to produce in large amounts and/or active forms using conventional methods of purification, for the treatment of a variety of conditions.

1. A cell-matrix structure for implantation into a patient comprising a polymeric matrix and cells attached thereto in an amount sufficient to stop or regress abnormal cell or tissue growth in the patient, wherein the cells in the cell-matrix structure are genetically engineered to stably express Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS). 
     
     
       2. The cell-matrix structure of  claim 1  wherein the matrix is selected from the group consisting of fibrous scaffolds, polymeric hydrogels, and micromachine or micromolded substrates. 
     
     
       3. The cell-matrix structure of  claim 1  wherein the abnormal cell or tissue growth is vulvar epidermoid carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, endometrial adenocarcinoma, ovarian adenocarcinoma, or a breast tumor. 
     
     
       4. The cell-matrix structure of  claim 1  wherein the cells that have been genetically engineered are of a different cell type than the abnormal cell or tissue. 
     
     
       5. The cell-matrix structure of  claim 3  wherein the abnormal cell or tissue growth is ovarian adenocarcinoma. 
     
     
       6. The cell-matrix structure of  claim 1  wherein the cells are genetically engineered to express Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) from recombinant DNA encoding Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS). 
     
     
       7. The cell-matrix structure of  claim 1  wherein the matrix comprises a biodegradable polymer of polyglycolic acid.